Nick Kyrgios and Jasmine Paolini burst into laughter as Andrey Rublev’s shot flies over their heads

The World Tennis League witnessed an exciting mixed doubles match a day ago, where World No. 4 Jasmine Paolini teamed up with 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios in his first exhibition event since returning to the tour.

The unexpected partnership defeated Denis Shapovalov and Caroline Garcia 7-5, narrowing the gap in the series and keeping hopes alive until the final match, where Kyrgios faced Andrey Rublev to determine the tie's winner.

Following the mixed doubles, Kyrgios and Paolini were giving an on-court interview as Rublev was warming up for the decisive singles match. Positioned on the opposite side of the court, the Russian began hitting balls – with Kyrgios and Paolini standing with their backs to him – and sent a powerful shot flying in their direction.

The Australian was explaining his strategy to beat Rublev when a strong shot narrowly missed Paolini’s head by just a few centimeters, eliciting laughter from the players and even the interviewer. Later, Rublev secured victory by defeating Kyrgios 6-4.

The World Tennis League concluded its Round Robin phase on Saturday, with the final set to take place on Sunday. The Falcons, comprising Andrey Rublev (No. 8), Denis Shapovalov (No. 56), Elena Rybakina (No. 6), and Caroline Garcia (No. 48), finished at the top of the table. They will face the Hawks, led by Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1), and joined by Mirra Andreeva (No. 16), Jordan Thompson (No. 26), and Sumit Nagal (No. 98).